Allogeneic Targeted Activated Cancer Killer Cells (ATKA)

The use of allogeneic targeted activated cancer killer cells is designed to effectively ATTACK against cancer cells. The method is based on the use of deliberately incompatible killer cells, including T cells, NK cells, and NKT cells, which are predominantly targeted against cancer cells that may not have responded to conventional anti-cancer methods.

How does ATACK work?

A combination of deliberately incompatible killer cells destroys cancer cells in a mechanism resembling rejection. To preferentially target certain cancer cells, monoclonal antibodies against specific antigens that are overexpressed on the surface of these predetermined cancer cells are used. Thus, cancer cells are destroyed because they are recognized as "foreign", which causes intense elimination by a mechanism similar to rejection.

The activation process is best done before the introduction of killer cells into the body. However, after cell infusion, donor killer cells can be continuously activated by IL-2 for as long as they exist, and such treatment also activates the patient's own T cells and NK cells.

Why choose ATACK?

The advantage of using ATACK is based on the fact that mismatched killer cells are more effective in inducing "rejection" of cancer cells. Under normal conditions, the patient's own lymphocytes are unable to attack cancer cells, and when stimulated, their induced anti-cancer effects are very limited. This is why conventional immunotherapy, based on the activation of the patient's own immune system, is only partially effective, but rarely leads to a cure. Any healthy donor is a suitable donor for ATACK without the need for tissue typing.

Where can a patient receive ATACK treatment?

The ATACK method is based on culturing donor lymphocytes outside the patient's body before these cells can be injected. Unfortunately, regulatory authorities in Israel restrict the use of cells cultured ex vivo.